Automation within the building industry has been ongoing for decades but at a slower pace than other industries. So, what do we mean by automation? Let’s focus on two types: automation for building estimation and automation for roof truss manufacturing. Both will be discussed at the...

We have an annual tradition at the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC)—the Timber Products Inspection quality assurance challenge! This competition lets truss fabricators test their knowledge of ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 3 requirements, and the winner receives a Yeti cooler. How...

Performing an F1 pit stop for each truss is how to Feed the Beast! Truss builders know that assembling each truss on the truss tables is just like what an F1 pit stop crew does. Both F1 pit stop crews and truss assembly crews strive for efficiency, quality, safety, and teamwork, with a shared...

Forget about “Rogue One,” ROGworx Automation has three heads that are better than one! If you haven’t met the guys yet, then you need to come by the ROGworx booth at the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) in Milwaukee, WI this month. So, who are the R-O-G in...

On September 18th, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percent, the first cut in four years. It was a welcome development, and one that should have a positive outcome for the economy. Lower interest rates stimulate economic growth, and make lending of all types less...

Lumber is mission-critical to every component manufacturer (CM). On average, it represents two-thirds of your cost-of-goods (CoG), roughly half of the value of your product (Revenue – Pretax Profit). So, what are the market dynamics that surround the purchase of lumber? And how can your...

Some surprises are in store at the BCMC Show this year, especially the stunning news that the biggest robotics maker won’t be there and won’t be showing up anywhere. But, the demise of House of Design (HoD) wasn’t because of their equipment, which worked serviceably (for more...

My July column, What’s in The Advertiser’s Forum?, reiterates that our monthly issues contain content that our authors and advertisers would like to submit, rather than designating particular topics or themes each month. But that doesn’t stop some themes from appearing! Are...

As a global pioneer in the building components industry, we’re looking forward to presenting our integrated solutions suite at the upcoming Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) | Framer’s Summit 2024. Our booth at the event will feature best-in-class software, automated...

Is downtime affecting your production efficiency and holding you back from reaching your full potential? At Panels Plus, we’re passionate about transforming the panelizing industry with durable and innovative solutions that boost efficiency and streamline operations. As a leading provider...